Description of the attraction
The Cathedral of the Holy Virgin Mary (Limerick Cathedral) is a functioning cathedral of the Church of Ireland (Protestant Church of the Anglican Community) in the city of Limerick. The cathedral is located on King's Island near King John's Castle and is one of the oldest buildings in Limerick, as well as an important historical and architectural monument that harmoniously combines the Romanesque and Gothic styles.
On the lands where the Cathedral of the Holy Virgin Mary is today, many centuries ago the westernmost outpost in Europe and the administrative center of the Vikings was located, and then the royal palace was built. It was on the site of this palace, after King Tomonda Domnal Mor Wa Briayn donated these lands as a gift to the Church, in 1168 and the temple was founded, consecrated in honor of the Most Holy Theotokos and later became the cathedral of the Limerick diocese.
The long and turbulent history of Limerick Cathedral has brought dramatic changes to its architectural appearance. Nevertheless, experts believe that the building today contains architectural fragments of the old royal palace, including the door on the western facade, which most likely was the main entrance to the palace (today this entrance is used only on ceremonial occasions). The imposing cathedral tower, which is over 36 m high, was built in the 14th century.
The cathedral's special pride is undoubtedly the misericordia (a small wooden shelf at the bottom of the folding seat), adorned with carved emblems and presumably dating back to the second half of the 15th century. It is also worth paying attention to the impressive old altar carved from a solid block of limestone (used for its purpose as far back as the era preceding the Reformation) and the organ donated to the cathedral in 1624.
By 1968, the Irish government issued two types of postage stamps depicting the Cathedral of the Virgin Mary in honor of its 800th anniversary.
